Re: SXSW 2013

Chris you probably want to stay downtown since most of the clubs are there. if you look at a map the area between the river and 6th street, and between i-35 and Lamar, is probably your best bet. Not sure what your budget is so I won't recommend specific places.

SXSW is fun but I haven't been since 2000 and I bet it's changed a lot since then.

Re: SXSW 2013

i go every year, over from Europe, its just tons of fun, even though way to overcrowded now
i usually end up having meetings during the day and doing movies in the evening, cause to get into the big shows is just too much of a drama
but i've seen some brilliant shows in the past 3 years
+ i really really like Austin...

Re: SXSW 2013

I had a great time without one last year, but every time there was a show that was badge only, a lil piece of me died. If you RSVP to enough parties, you will still see tons of acts and drink for free!!! The badge envy might be too much to take. I was really bummed when I wanted to see Jack White at 6th st. I waited for about an hour till they yelled out "BADGE ONLY". The entire line cleared out.

Re: SXSW 2013

Hey ho,
Looks like I'll finally be making it to this little shindig. Anyone else thinking of making the trip? Any good tips on where to stay and things to see locally?

There are a lot of good suggestions in last years thread and the old Fun Fun Fun threads.

Hotels: Tom's suggestion of downtown is ideal. You will do a lot of walking so being close is a real plus. The ones around 5th and 6th street are the most centrally located. If you are on a budget then I recommend the hotels along I-35 from downtown to Oltorf (the Best Value and La Quinta are not that bad). Those are about a $15 cab ride to 6th St. You won't like that commute, but that's where I would go if the places downtown are not an option. There are hotels North of downtown along I-35 as well, but those places tend to be really shitty so I would avoid them.

I'll add that when we saw the line for the Of Montreal show that we knew we weren't getting into we immediately went to plan B: Cloud Nothings, Titus, Built to Spill, New Build and Purity Ring. Looking back it was a better choice, but it did require a sprint from 6th St to the Eastside. Always have multiple backup plans. Keep your group small and mobile.

Edit: Look at rideincircles' list from last year below my post. Together that's a great list of mostly free shows that were available.

Re: SXSW 2013

Went to my first SX this year and had a blast..Looking forward to attending next March. I took advantage of the 'early bird' badge sale that ended a couple of weeks ago. $625.

Reasonable hotels along the interstate would be my recommendation as well. It's easily a good time without a badge or wristband; just have to rsvp for everything, and bring some extra spending money to pay a few cover charges for some showcases that you really want to see.

EDIT: As for sites and things to do in Austin, you can't go wrong with all the TexMex spots.

Re: SXSW 2013

It should be Argent & Blunstone from the 60s lineup. The rest of the band are all from their early and mid 2000 tours. Last time they played Austin was at Antones, which is a small blues club and it was only those two. I expect them to be put on a bigger show for SX---maybe something at Austin Music Hall like they did for Roky Erickson a few years ago and Christopher Cross this last year.

Re: SXSW 2013

Originally Posted by Timestretch

It should be Argent & Blunstone from the 60s lineup. The rest of the band are all from their early and mid 2000 tours. Last time they played Austin was at Antones, which is a small blues club and it was only those two. I expect them to be put on a bigger show for SX---maybe something at Austin Music Hall like they did for Roky Erickson a few years ago and Christopher Cross this last year.

So the important ones. If I could see This Will Be Our Year live, I'd be happy.